Indians got richer by Rs 4,207 in 2008-09

NEW DELHI: Indians got richer by Rs 4,207 in the last one year as the per capita income of individuals stood at Rs 37,490 in 2008-09, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

According to data released by the Central Statistical Organisation, the per capita income of people has increased by over one-third from Rs 26,003 in 2005-06 to Rs 37,490 in 2008-09, Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Per capita income is the amount an individual earns, of the yearly income that is generated in the country through productive activities.

It means the share of each individual when the income from the productive activities is divided equally among the citizens.

The per capita income was Rs 33,283 in 2007-08, Meena said.

The growth in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost declined from 9 per cent in 2007-08 to 6.7 per cent in 2008-09.

The sector-wise growth of GDP in agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2007-08 was 4.9 per cent, but declined to 1.6 per cent in 2008-09. Industry witnessed a growth of 8.1 per cent in 2007-08, but it reduced to 3.9 per cent in 2008-09.